Scene selection screen generation device, scene selection screen adding system, method for generating scene selection screen, method for adding a scene selection screen, imaging device, and computer readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program

ABSTRACT

On adding a newly selectable scene selection screen to an imaging device having a shooting condition setting section which sets the imaging device for a shooting condition, upon receiving a selection of any one of scene selection screens corresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading out the selected shooting condition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, from a storage section that stores the shooting conditions individually in association with the shooting scenes, a template composed of separate areas on each of which to display a display element being different from other display elements to be displayed on other areas is prepared, each display element is input individually to each area, and the template, to which the display elements are input, is set as the scene selection screen to be added.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a scene selection screen generationdevice, a scene selection screen adding system, a method for generatinga scene selection screen, a method for adding a scene selection screen,an imaging device, and a computer readable storage medium havingrecorded thereon a program, each of which is for adding a newlyselectable scene selection screen to an imaging device having a shootingcondition setting section which sets the imaging device for a shootingcondition, upon receiving a selection of any one of scene selectionscreens corresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading outthe shooting condition corresponding to the selected shooting scene,from a storage section that stores the shooting conditions individuallyin association with the shooting scenes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Today, digital cameras offering scene selection feature are appearing.This scene selection feature typically offers pre-registered shootingconditions (sets of values of f number, shutter speed, white balance andcoloration, etc.) individually associated with and optimal for pre-setscenes, such as “landscape”, “nightscape” and “people”. Selection of anyone of these pre-registered scenes automatically sets the camera for anoptimal shooting condition associated with the selected scene. Thisaffords scene-adapted shooting with optimal shooting condition forscenes each.

On displaying one of the scenes, “landscape”, “nightscape” and “people”for example, as a pre-set sample image, a typical digital camera withsuch a function displays a note that says “Shooting people”, “Enhanceskin color” and so forth, together with the displayed sample image. Auser can know easily from this, in advance, which scene to select foroptimally shooting actual scenes, or, of what type the shootingcondition to be applied is. In other words, the user can select one ofthe pre-registered scenes with sufficient understanding based on thedisplayed sample image and the note. This enables the user to shoot anintended scene with an optimal shooting condition (see for example,Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAI Publication No.2002-10133).

The digital camera displays the sample image and the notes therefor as ascene selection screen, one screen for each scene. When a desired sceneselection screen is selected and the selection is decided, a shootingcondition that is associated with the selected scene is applied.

In addition, there is an invention of a digital camera that allowsregistration of a shooting condition used in the user's shooting, inassociation with the image shot in the shooting. In this digital camera,when any image is selected from the images shot in the past, a shootingcondition that is associated with the selected image is automaticallyapplied. Therefore, a user can confirm the quality of photograph to betaken, by seeing the image shot in the past, and can perform shootingwith the same shooting condition as that of the image in the user's view(see for example, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAIPublication No. 2002-10134).

However, in the digital camera of Unexamined Japanese Patent ApplicationKOKAI Publication No. 2002-10133, when an image displayed in associationwith a note on the scene selection screen is replaced with another imagephotographed by the user himself/herself, change of shooting conditionis caused together. In this time, the note is not changed, and it comesthat lack of correspondence between the shooting condition and the noteis caused. That is, in the digital camera of Unexamined Japanese PatentApplication KOKAI Publication No. 2002-10134, the linked operation innew recording or updating is only between the shooting condition and theimages. It provides a low flexibility for a user who envisions a newscene and wishes to prepare an optimal information screen (sceneselection screen) therefor.

In the digital camera of Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAIPublication No. 2002-10134, what the digital camera performs is tomerely display the image photographed by the user himself/herself.Therefore unfortunately, it is difficult to know to what kind of a scenea shooting condition set in association with the displayed image shouldoptimally be applied.

The present invention is made in view of the above-describedconventionally existing problems, and it is an object of the presentinvention to realize individual user's flexible preparation of aneasy-to-grasp screen for selecting a scene, in which the user can freelyprepare and add a scene selection screen while associating the sceneselection screen with a shooting condition to be set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A scene selection screen device according to a preferable embodiment ofthe p resent invention comprises:

a template storage section that stores a template composed of separateareas on each of which to display a display element being different fromother display elements to be displayed on other areas;

an input control section that controls input of display elements so thateach display element is input individually to each area of the templatestored in the template storage section;

a scene selection screen setting section that sets, as a scene selectionscreen, the template to which the display elements are input by theinput control section; and

a shooting condition adding section that associates the scene selectionscreen set by the scene selection screen setting section with a shootingcondition.

A scene selection screen adding system according to a preferableembodiment of the present invention is a scene selection screen addingsystem for adding a newly selectable scene selection screen to animaging device having a shooting condition setting section which setsthe imaging device for a shooting condition, upon receiving a selectionof any one of scene selection screens corresponding individually toshooting scenes, by reading out a shooting condition corresponding tothe selected shooting scene, from a storage section that stores theshooting conditions individually in association with the shootingscenes, the scene selection screen adding system comprising:

a template storage section that stores a template composed of separateareas on each of which to display a display element being different fromother display elements to be displayed on other areas;

an input control section that controls input of display elements so thateach display element is input individually to each area of the templatestored in the template storage section;

a scene selection screen setting section that sets, as the sceneselection screen to be added, the template to which the display elementsare input by the input control section;

a shooting condition adding section that associates the scene selectionscreen set by the scene selection screen setting section;

a display order setting section that sets a display order in which thescene selection screen set by the scene selection screen setting sectionis displayed;

an adding section that adds the scene selection screen set by the sceneselection screen setting section so that the scene selection screens aredisplayed in the order set by the display order setting section, withoutcausing any change in a display order among the preciously preparedscene selection screens, when the imaging device displays the sceneselection screen.

A method for generating a scene selection screen according to apreferable embodiment of the present invention comprises:

an input control step of controlling input of display elements so thateach display element is input individually to an area of a templatecomposed of separate areas on each of which to display a display elementbeing different from other display elements to be displayed on otherareas;

a scene selection screen setting step of setting, as a scene selectionscreen, the template to which the display elements are input in theinput control step;

a shooting condition adding step of associating the scene selectionscreen set in the scene selection screen setting step with a shootingcondition.

A method for adding a newly selectable scene selection screen to animaging device having a shooting condition setting section which setsthe imaging device for a shooting condition, upon receiving a selectionof any one of scene selection screens corresponding individually toshooting scenes, by reading out a shooting condition corresponding tothe selected shooting scene, from a storage section that stores theshooting conditions individually in association with the shootingscenes, the method comprising:

an input control step of controlling input of display elements so thateach display element is input individually to each area of the templatecomposed of separate areas on each of which to display a display elementbeing different from other display elements to be displayed on otherareas;

a scene selection screen setting step of setting, as the scene selectionscreen to be added the template, to which the display elements are inputin the input control step;

a shooting condition adding step of associating the scene selectionscreen set in the scene selection screen setting step with a shootingcondition;

a display order setting step of setting a display order in which thescene selection screen set in the scene selection screen setting step isdisplayed;

an addition step of adding the scene selection screen set in the sceneselection screen setting step so that the scene selection screens aredisplayed in the order set in the display order setting step, withoutcausing any change in a display order among the preciously preparedscene selection screens, when the imaging device displays the sceneselection screen.

An imaging device according to a preferable embodiment of the presentinvention is an imaging device having a shooting condition settingsection which sets the imaging device for a shooting condition, uponreceiving a selection of any one of scene selection screenscorresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading out a shootingcondition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, from a storagesection that stores the shooting conditions individually in associationwith the shooting scenes, the imaging device comprising:

a template storage section that stores a template composed of separateareas on each of which to display a display element being different fromother display elements to be displayed on other areas;

an input control section that controls input of display elements so thateach display element is input individually to each area of the templatestored in the template storage section;

a scene selection screen setting section that sets, as a scene selectionscreen, the template to which the display elements are input by theinput control section;

a shooting condition adding section that associates the scene selectionscreen set by the scene selection screen setting section with a shootingcondition.

A computer-readable storage medium according to a preferable embodimentof the present invention has a program recorded thereon to cause acomputer to execute:

an input control process of controlling input of display elements sothat each display element is input individually to an area of a templatecomposed of separate areas on each of which to display a display elementbeing different from other display elements to be displayed on otherareas;

a scene selection screen setting process of setting, as a sceneselection screen, the template to which the display elements are inputin the input control process;

a shooting condition adding process of associating the scene selectionscreen set in the scene selection screen setting process with a shootingcondition.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize individualuser's flexible reparation of an easy-to-grasp screen for selecting ascene, in which the user can freely prepare and add a scene selectionscreen while associating the scene selection screen with a shootingcondition to be set.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These objects and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent upon reading of the following detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a personal computer according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the details of sets of shooting conditionsassociated with the scenes recorded on the digital camera;

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the contents of data of additionalinformation stored in association with corresponding scenes stored inthe digital camera;

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the scene selection screen displayed on thedigital camera;

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a table of sample images displayed on thedigital camera;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting data ofadditional information;

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a screen for setting data of additionalinformation;

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a screen for setting data of additionalinformation;

FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the display order;

FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the display order;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of a BS folder;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation for generating a setup file;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a diagrammatic representation of theelectric structure of the digital camera;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a cross key; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a diagrammatic representation of theelectric structure of the digital camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following describes the embodiments of the present invention withreference to the drawings. A scene selection screen adding system of thepresent invention is constituted by a personal computer (hereafterreferred to as “PC”) and a digital camera serving as an imaging device,which are interconnectable via respective I/O ports.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic illustration of theelectric structure of a PC 1. The PC 1 comprises a CPU 2, a ROM 3, amemory 4, a mouse 5, a keyboard 6, a recording medium 7, a displaysection 8, an I/O port 9, and a card I/F10. An external recording medium11 and detachably attached to a card slot of the PC, which is not shown,is connected to the card I/F10.

The CPU 2 can perform various digital signal processing, includingcompression and decompression of image data, and controls each sectionof PC 1. Particularly, the CPU has a function of preparing a setup filethat makes it possible to select a scene of new kind, which is describedlater. The ROM 3 stores a control program and data which are needed forthe control of each part. The CPU 2 operates under the program.Particularly, ROM 3 stores an executable file that corresponds to aprogram for preparing a setup file.

The memory 4 is a buffer memory for temporarily storing various data,and is used as a working area of the CPU 2. The mouse 5 and the keyboard6 include various operation keys and send operational signals generatedaccording to the key operation, to the CPU 2. The recording medium 7 isan internal memory which stores data, as exemplified by a hard disk, anonvolatile memory or the like. The display section 8 includes a colorLCD and a drive circuit therefor and displays an image.

The I/O port 9 inputs/outputs data, between the PC 1 and an externalelectronic device (for example, a digital camera serving as an imagingdevice), and can perform input/output in USB (Universal Serial Bus)standard, IEEE1394 standard and other various interface standards. Thatis, the I/O port 9 is structured so as to be connectable to electronicdevices, such as a digital camera, which is capable ofinputting/outputting data subject to these standards. Further, the I/Oport 9 may input/output data of image files by an infrared communicationbased on IrDA standard, or Bluetooth-based wireless communication,to/from an external electronic device.

The card I/F 10 allows input/output of data between the PC 1 and anexternal recording medium 11. That is, the CPU 2 can read out datarecorded on the external recording medium 11 and record data recorded inthe recording medium 7 to the external recording medium 11, via the cardI/F 10.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic representation of electricstructure of a digital camera 51 which is connectable to the PC 1 viathe I/O port 9 thereof. The digital camera 51 comprises a shooting lens52, a lens drive unit 53, a shutter-diaphragm 54 with aperture settingfunction, a CCD 55, a driver 56, a TG (timing generator) 57, a unitcircuit 58, a memory 59, a CPU 60, a DRAM 61, an image display section62, a detachable flash memory 63, a key input section 64 and a bus 65.

The shooting lens 52 comprises a focus lens, a zoom lens and the likewhich are constituted by a lens group having a plurality of not-shownlens. To the focus lens and the zoom lens, a lens drive unit 53 isconnected (diagrammatic representation therefor is omitted). The lensdrive unit 53 comprises a motor (not shown) that moves the focus lensand zoom lens individually in the optical axis direction and a motordriver (not shown) that drives the focus motor and the zoom motorindividually in accordance with a control signal sent from the CPU 60.

The shutter-diaphragm 54 includes a not-shown drive circuit. This drivecircuit causes the shutter-diaphragm 54 to operate in accordance with acontrol signal sent from the CPU 60. This shutter-diaphragm 54 acts as ashutter and a diaphragm. Here diaphragm refers to a mechanism thatcontrols the amount of light entering from the shooting lens 52, and ashutter means refers to a mechanism for controlling a time to illuminatethe CCD 55. A time to illuminate the CCD 55 (exposure time) variesdependent upon the speed of open and close of a shutter (shutter speed).The exposure of the CCD 55 varies dependent upon the state of thediaphragm and the shutter speed.

An image sensor, such as a CCD and a CMOS (here the CCD 55) is driven bythe driver 56 to perform scan, performs an opt-electric conversion bywhich values of intensity of light in each of RGB values of aphoto-object image is converted to a signal, and outputs it as animaging signal to the unit circuit 58. The timings of operation of thedriver 56 and unit circuit 58 are controlled by the CPU 60 by means ofTG57. The CCD 55 comprises a color filter of Bayer arrangement and alsoprovides a function of an electronic shutter. The shutter speed of theelectronic shutter is controlled by the CPU 60 via the driver 56 andTG57.

The TG57 is connected to the unit circuit 58. The unit circuit 58comprises: a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that performscorrelated double sampling of an imaging signal output from the CCD 55and retains the sampled imaging signal; an AGC (Automatic Gain Control)circuit that performs automatic gain control of the sampled imagingsignal, an A/D converter that converts automatically the gain-controlledanalog imaging signal into a digital signal. The imaging signal of theCCD 55 is sent to the CPU 60 as a digital signal via the unit circuit58.

The CPU 60 is a one-chip micro computer having the function ofperforming image processing, such as gamma correction, interpolation,white balance adjustment, generation of a luminance/chrominance signal(YUV data), on the image data sent from the unit circuit 58, compressionand decompression of the image data. The CPU 60 further has a functionof controlling each section of digital camera 51. The CPU 60 includes aclock circuit, and has a function of a timer. Particularly, in thisembodiment, the CPU 60 has a scene selection function, whichautomatically sets a shooting condition that is associated with a scene,when the scene is selected. That is, the CPU 60 also serves as a sectionfor setting a shooting condition.

The memory 59 stores control programs needed for the control of eachsection of the CPU 60 and data needed therefor (e.g. a table ofcorrection coefficient). The CPU 60 is managed by the program. Thememory 59 also has a storage area for storing information needed for thepresent invention. The DRAM 61 is used as a buffer memory fortemporarily storing image data that is sent to the CPU 60 after beingimaged by the CCD 55. Further, the DRAM 61 is used as a working memoryof the CPU 60.

The image display section 62 includes a color LCD, which serves as anelectronic view finder and a drive circuit for driving the same. In ashooting standby mode, the image display section 62 displays aphoto-object imaged by the CCD65 as a through image. Further, onreproducing a recorded image, the image display section 62 displays arecorded image read out from the flash memory 63 and decompressed. Theflash memory 63 is a recording medium for saving image data imaged bythe CCD 55.

The key input section 64 includes a plurality of control keys, includinga power button, a shutter button, a BS (Best Shot) mode button, a modeswitch key, a menu key, a zoom key, and a cross key, and outputs acontrol signal in accordance with the key operation performed by a user,to the CPU 60. The zoom key includes “W” key, “T” key, and the like.Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the cross key 70 comprises “→” key 71, “←”key 72, “↑” key 73, “↓” key 74, and a “SET” key 75.

The following several paragraph provide general overview of thisembodiment. The embodiment is illustrated as an imaging device such as adigital camera 51 that has a scene selection function in which easysetting of a shooting condition that is associated with a scene isenabled by selecting the scene. A setup file, which is for setting up ascene of a new kind in the scene selection function is prepared by PC 1or any suitable device in advance. Based on the prepared setup file, thesetup is performed so that a scene of new kind can be selected in thedigital camera.

Firstly, an explanation is given of the scene selection function in thedigital camera 51. In the memory 59 of the digital camera 51, shootingcondition data (values off number, shutter speed, white balance andcoloration) is stored in association with the corresponding scene inadvance. Further, a title of a scene, an explanation regarding ashooting operation of the digital camera at the time of shooting and theimage quality of the image to be shot in the shooting (hereafterreferred to as “note”) are stored in association with the respectivescenes, and data of additional information including a sample image arestored. Each scene is numbered.

When the scene selection function is activated, scene selection screenseach including, for example, a sample image, a title thereof and a noteof each scene are displayed on the image display section 62 for eachscene, sequentially. When a user selects a desired scene selectionscreen via the key input section 64, a shooting condition that isassociated with the selected scene selection screen is automaticallyset.

FIG. 2A illustrates a contents of a shooting condition. For each scene,a shutter speed, f number, EV shift (exposure compensation), colorenhancement and the like are stored. FIG. 2B illustrates the details ofdata of additional information. For each scene, a title that describesthe details of the scene, which reads for example, “For peopleshooting”, a note that reads “Skin color is enhanced. Select telephotoposition for optimally defocusing background”, and a sample image arestored for each scene.

By comparing the above-described titles, notes and sample images of thescenes displayed on the scene selection screen with each other, amongscene selection screens, a user can easily select an optimal scene forshooting a subject under a certain condition. This providesscene-adapted shooting with shooting condition optimal for the scene tobe shot.

The above-described scene selection function is started, for example, bythe press-down of a BS mode button of the digital camera 51. Then, ascene selection screen associated with a predetermined scene isdisplayed on an electronic view finder of the digital camera 51. It ispossible to sequentially switch the scene selection screen to anotherone associated with another scene, by performing a predetermined keyoperation in the digital camera. The scene selection screens aredisplayed in the order of the numbers added individually to the scenes.A number selected in a previous time may be memorized as it is, and thescene selection screen associated with the memorized number may bedisplayed on the activation of the scene selection function.

FIG. 3A shows a displayed scene selection screen. On the scene selectionscreen, a sample image associated with a predetermined scene, a scenetitle and a note are displayed. Further, data of additional informationassociated with the scene is displayed. The number corresponding to thedisplayed scene is displayed in the upper right corner.

During the displaying of the scene selection screen, when a useroperates “→” key 71 in a cross key of the digital camera 51, a sceneselection screen associated with the next number is displayed. When theuser operates any key, for example “←” key 72, a scene selection screenassociated with the previous number is displayed. When the user operates“W” key of a zoom key during the display of any scene selection screen,an image list screen having a grid of a predetermined number of sampleimages stored in association with the respective scenes is displayed.

FIG. 3B shows the sample images associated with the respective scenesand displayed in the image list screen. The sample images are displayed,for example, in groups of 12 so that a first group includes the imagesof scene numbers 1 to 12 and a second group includes the images of scenenumbers 12 to 24. Each group is displayed in each image list screen. Auser can switch the image list screens each including twelve sampleimages to another sequentially, by performing a predetermined keyoperation of the digital camera. After the shift to the image listscreen from the scene selection screen, at the beginning, an image listscreen including the sample image that corresponds to the image whichhas been displayed in the scene selection screen, is displayed. Thedisplaying is such that, in the image list screen, the user can notice acorresponding image of the scene selection screen that has beendisplayed. For example, the sample image is outlined by a bold border.At this time, a scene title associated with the noticeably displayedsample image may be displayed. In the example of FIG. 3B, the firstsample image is made noticeable, and thus the scene title associatedwith the first sample image is displayed below the grid of images in theimage list screen.

When the user operates, for example, “→” key 71 of the cross key of thedigital camera during the displaying of the image list screen, a sampleimage associated with the next number is noticeably displayed. By theoperation of “←” key 72, a sample image associated with the previousnumber is noticeably displayed. Further, during the display of anysample image, when the user operates “T” key of the zoom key, the screenshifts to a scene selection screen associated with the noticeablydisplayed sample image.

In this way, in a state where a desired scene selection screen isdisplayed or a desired sample image is noticeably displayed in the imagelist screen, “SET” key of the digital camera is operated, a shootingcondition that is associated with the displayed scene selection screenor the noticeably displayed sample image is automatically set, and theuser can shoot a photo-object with the set shooting condition.

The present invention is for allowing a user to set a digital camera fora scene of a new kind; here the scene refers to such a scene for which ashooting condition is automatically set in accordance with the scenesetting screen and the image list screen.

Here, a brief explanation is given of the operation of a shooting sceneset up system. Firstly, data of additional information that is to beassociated with a scene, which a user wish to add, is set in the processof preparing a scene selection screen that is to be associated with thescene the user wishes to add, on the PC 1. Next, the set data ofadditional information, namely the prepared scene selection screen, isassociated with a corresponding shooting condition, and a setup filethat can be set in the digital camera 51 is generated. Then, in thedigital camera 51, setting-up is performed so that a scene of a new kindcan be selected in accordance with the generated setup file.

The following describes the operation for preparing a setup file in thePC 1; an explanation is given, regarding the setting of data ofadditional information, which is associated with a new scene to beselectable, while a separate explanation is given, regarding the processof associating the data of additional information and its correspondingshooting condition. Finally, a description is given of the setting upbased on the setup file, which is prepared on the PC 1, on the digitalcamera 51.

An operation for setting data of additional information is explained inaccordance with the flowchart of FIG. 4. In PC 1, when a program forpreparing the setup file is activated, the CPU 2 displays a screen forsetting the data of additional information on the display section 8(step S1).

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show the screen in this operation. On the displaysection 8, a scene selection screen sample 21 as a template, and adecision button 22 for confirming the entry of the set data ofadditional information, is displayed. Here, the scene selection screensample 21 is displayed as a sample of a scene selection screen to bedisplayed on the digital camera. As will be described later in greaterdetail, when the entries of the additional information is confirmed, thescene selection screen sample 21 having been completed in the process ofsetting the additional information is confirmed as a scene selectionscreen to be displayed on the digital camera, by decision button 22being operated.

The scene selection screen sample 21 has an area 2 for displaying “scenenumber” set as the data of additional information (“display elements”),an area 3 for displaying “sample image”, an area 4 for displaying “scenetitle”, an area 5 for displaying “note” and an area 1, which is otherthan areas 2-4, for displaying “background image”. In other words, ascene number, a sample image, a scene title and a background image aredisplayed as display elements, in the later-described manner. Aspreviously described, the note includes the note on the shootingoperation of the digital camera at the time of shooting, and the note onthe image quality of the image obtained on the shooting.

Next, the CPU 2 determines whether or not to perform selection andsetting of a sample image, as data of additional information (step S2).This is determined based on whether the user has moved a cursor to thearea 3 for displaying the sample image and clicked the image by theoperation of the mouse 5 or the keyboard 6.

In the case where it is determined in step S2 to newly perform theselecting and setting of a sample image, the CPU 2 displays as a listthe image data recorded on the recording medium or the externalrecording medium 11 (the data may be the title of the image data, or athumbnail thereof) as candidates for the sample image, on the displaysection 8 (step S3).

Then, the CPU 2 determines whether any image data is selected as asample image by the user from the listed image data (step S4). In thistime, the user can select image data or an image file the user wishes toselect as a sample image, by operating the mouse 5 or the keyboard 6,with the listed image data in the user's view. The image data and theimage file recorded on the recording medium 7 and the external recordingmedium 11 are not limited to the image data or an image file shot by thedigital camera 51, and any image data or image file which the userprepares and edits on the PC 1 may be used. Further, any downloadedimage data or image file can be used. That is, whatever is image data oran image file may be used.

The operation does not proceed from S4 till it is judged that any imagedata or image file is selected for the sample image. Then, when it isjudged in step S4 that any image data or image file is selected as thesample image, the CPU 2 generates an image based on the selected imagedata or the image file, and sets the image in the additional informationas the sample image thereof. Then, the set sample image is pasted on thearea 3 of the scene selection screen sample 21 and the scene selectionscreen with the sample image is displayed (step S5), and the flowproceeds to step S6. In this time, the CPU 2 stores information showingthe location of the image data or the image file selected as the sampleimage to an image location information storage area of the memory 4.

On the other hand, in step S2, when it is not determined to perform theselecting and setting of sample image, the flow proceeds to step S6without any further operation. In step S6, the CPU 2 determines whetherto set a scene number, which is an element to be set as the data ofadditional information. The determination is made based on whether thecursor is moved to the area 2, in which the scene number is to bedisplayed, by the operation of the mouse 5 or the keyboard 6 by theuser, and whether any click operation has been done. When the cursor ismoved to the area 2 and the click operation is done, area 2 is turnedinto a state in which texts can be input. Then the user can input thenumber by the operation of the keyboard 6.

In step S6, when it is determined to newly perform setting of scenenumber, the CPU determines whether the input of the number has beencompleted (step S7). The determination is made based on whether anyoperation signal that correspond to the operation of the return key ofthe keyboard 6 is sent from the keyboard 6. The user can input thenumber by operating the keyboard 6 and operates the return key when theuser judges that there is no problem in determining the input number.

When it is determined in step S7 that the input of number has not beencompleted, the process do not proceed from step S7 till completion.Then, when it is determined in step S7 that the inputting of the numberhas been completed, the CPU 2 sets the input number as the scene numberof the data of additional information (step S8) and the flow proceeds tostep S9. The set scene number is displayed on the area 2. Here, to avoidduplication of number between the set scene number and any one of thescene numbers associated with the other scene selection screenspreviously stored in the digital camera, the input screen number withcapital letter C is set. In the illustration of FIG. 5B, the user hasinput the number “1”, the number to be set is “C1”. Further, the CPU 2stores the input number just before the setting (before the addition ofcapital letter C) in a number storage area of memory 4.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S6 that the setting ofscene number is not performed, the flow proceeds to step S9 without anyfurther operation. In step S9, the CPU 2 determines whether to performsetting of the scene title of the data of additional information. Thedetermination is made based on whether the cursor is moved to the area 4for displaying the scene title, by the user's operation of the mouse 5or the keyboard 6, and whether any click operation has been done. Whenthe cursor is moved to the area 4 and a click operation is performed,the area 4 comes to a state in which texts can be input, and the usercan input sentences by operating the keyboard 6.

When it is determined in step S9 the setting of the scene title is newlyperformed, the CPU 2 determines whether the inputting of the title (asentence) has been completed (step S10). The determination is made basedon whether an operation signal that corresponds to the operation of thereturn key of the keyboard 6 is sent from the keyboard 6. The user caninput sentences by operating the keyboard 6, and if the user thinksthere is no problem in confirming the input title, he/she operates thereturn key.

The operation does not proceed from step S10 till it is determined thatthe input of scene title has been completed. Then, when in step S10 itis determined that the input of the scene title has been completed, theCPU 2 sets the input scene title as the scene title of the data ofadditional information (step S11), and the flow proceeds to step S12.

The set scene title is displayed in the area 4. Then, in theillustration of FIG. 5B, the user has input “Shooting snow sports”, andthe input sentence is set as the scene title. In this time, the CPU 2stores the sentence to be set as the scene title in a title storage areaof the memory 4.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S9 that the input ofthe scene title is not performed, the flow proceeds to step S12 withoutany further operation. In step S12, the CPU 2 determines whether toperform the setting of a note of the data of additional information. Thedetermination is made based on whether the cursor is moved to the area 5for displaying the note, by the user's operation of the mouse 5 or thekeyboard 6, and whether the click operation has been done. When thecursor is moved to the area 5 and the click operation is done, the area5 comes to a state in which texts can be input, and the user can inputsentences by operating the keyboard 6.

When it is determined in step S12 that the setting of note is newlyperformed, the CPU 2 determines whether the input of note (a sentence)has been completed (step S13). The determination is made based onwhether an operation signal that corresponds to the operation of thereturn key of the keyboard 6 is sent from the keyboard 6. The user caninput sentences by operating the keyboard 6, and when the user thinksthere is no problem in confirming the input note, he/she operates thereturn key.

FIG. 5B shows the screen being displayed on the display section 8 duringthe new input of note. Here, the area 5 is in the state in which textsare input, and a particle of sentence that reads “Shutter speedincreases,” has been input. In the area 3, the sample image set in stepS5 is displayed, and in area 2, scene number of “C1” set in step S8 isdisplayed. Further, in the area 4, the words that read “Shooting snowsports”, which is set in step S11 is displayed as a title.

When it is determined in step S113 that the input of the note has notbeen completed, the flow do not proceed from step S13 till completion.Then when it is determined in step S13 that the input of note has beencompleted, the CPU 2 sets the input note as the note of the data ofadditional information (step S14), and the flow proceeds to step S15.The confirmed note is also displayed in the area 5. In this time, theCPU 2 stores the sentence set as the note to a note storage area of thememory 4.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the setting ofnote is not performed, the flow proceeds to step S15 without any furtheroperation. In step S15, the CPU 2 determines whether to perform settingof background image of the scene selection screen in the data ofadditional information. The determination is made based on whether thecursor is move to the area 1 (in scene selection screen sample 21, anarea other than the areas 2-5) by the operation of the mouse 5 and anyclick operation is performed.

Then, in step S15, when it is determined that the setting of thebackground image is performed, the CPU 2 controls the display section 8to display a plurality of background images based on the backgroundimage data or the background image file recorded on the ROM 3 (stepS16).

Next, the CPU 2 determines whether any one is selected from the listedbackground images by the user (step S17). In this time, a user can setany image which the user wishes to display as a background image of thescene selection screen, by operating the mouse 5 while observing thedisplayed listed background images.

In step S17, when it is determined that no background image has beenselected, the flow does not proceed from step S17 till it is determinedthat the background image is selected. Then, in step S17, when it isdetermined that a background image is selected, the CPU 2 sets theselected background image as the background image of the data ofadditional information (step S18), and the flow proceeds to step S19. Inthis time, the CPU 2 stores information indicating the location of theset background image data or a background image file, to a backgrounddata location storage area of the memory 4.

On the other hand, in step S15, when it is determined that the settingof the background image of the scene selection screen is not performed,the flow proceeds to step S19 without any further operation. In stepS19, it is determined whether to confirm the setting of the data ofadditional information, in which the sample image, the scene number, thescene title, the note, and the background image are individually set.Or, it is determined whether to confirm the scene selection screensample 21, which is completed in the process of setting the elements, asa scene selection screen. This determination is made based on whetherthe cursor is moved on the decision button 22 by the user's operation ofthe mouse 5 or the keyboard 6 and any click operation is performed.

In the case where it is not determined in step S19 that the data ofadditional information or the scene selection screen sample isconfirmed, the flow returns to step 2. That is, it is possible to freelychange or newly set, the sample image, the scene number, the scenetitle, the note and the background image, till the decision button 22 isclicked.

In step S19, when it is determined that the set data of additionalinformation is confirmed, in other words, when it is determined that thedecision button 22 is operated, the CPU 2 determines whether an ordinalrank for displaying the scene selection screen prepared based on theconfirmed data of additional information, in the scene selectionfunction is designated (that is, the ordinal rank in which the sceneselection screen is displayed, when set up on the digital camera 51)(step S20). In this time, the CPU 2 causes the display section 8 todisplay a display order designation screen for designating display orderon, and the user can designate the display order while observing thedisplay order designation screen.

The examples of the display order designation screen are shown in FIGS.6A and 6B. In the display order designation screen, sample imagesassociated with selectable scenes preset in the digital camera, aredisplayed in a matrix or an array which accord to an order in which thescene selection screens that are associated with the selectable scenesare to be displayed. In the display order designation screen, a positioninto which a scene selection screen can newly be inserted is between thesample images associated with the already set scene selection screens.Indicators with respective subtitles, using for example the symbols “A”to “D”, indicate the positions that allow the insertion. The userdesignates the display order by designating any of symbols “A” to “D”.

More specifically, when a scene selection screen is inserted to theposition indicated by symbol “A” in FIG. 6A, the order in which thescene selection screen is displayed is before that of the sceneselection screen that is associated with the scene number 1. In otherwords, according to the indicator with subtitle “A”, the display orderof the scene selection screen to be inserted to the position is thefirst. Further, the position indicated by symbol “B” corresponds to thedisplay order between the scene selection screen corresponding to scenenumber 1 and the scene selection screen corresponding to the scenenumber 2. Further, the position of “C” shows the display order betweenthe scene selection screen corresponding to scene number 2 and onecorresponding to scene number 3. Further, in FIG. 6B, the symbol “D”indicates the display order after the scene selection screen of the lastscene number. That is, according to “D”, the display order is be thelast.

In the case where it is determined in step S20 that the ordinary rank ofdisplaying as not been designated, the operation does not proceed fromstep S20 till the designation is made. Then, in step S20, when it isdetermined that the display order has been designated, the CPU 2rebuilds an image of the scene selection screen, based on: image data(sample image) indicated by information of the location of image data oran image file, the information being stored in the image locationinformation storage area; the umber stored in the number storage area;the title stored in the title storage area; the note stored in the notestorage area; and the background data (background image) indicated byinformation of location of background image data or the background imagefile, the information being stored in the background data locationstorage area. Together, the CPU converts the rebuilt image data intoJPEG format, and a scene selection image file is generated thereby (stepS21). Then, the generated scene selection image file is stored in onefolder, named for example BS folder, in the recording medium 7. In thistime, the name of scene selection image file to be recorded isdetermined in accordance with the number stored in the number storagearea and the symbol designated in step S20.

For example, when the number stored in the number storage area is “1”and the designated symbol is “A”, the filename of the scene selectionimage file to be recorded is “CEXA0001”. Of these characters, “CEX” isused commonly among each file, and the subsequent portion of “CEX” isthe designated symbol; here “A”. One number of four digits follows it.This number is a four-digit expression of the number stored in thenumber storage area. In this expression, number “1” stored in the numberstorage area is “0001”. Giving another example, when the number storedin the number storage area is “3” and the designated symbol is “D”, thefilename of the selection image file is “CEXD0003”. In such a case wherea BS folder does no exist in the recording medium 7, the CPU 2 generatesthe BS folder.

Next, an explanation is given of the establishment of an associationbetween data of additional information (a scene selection image filebased on the data of additional information) and a correspondingshooting condition. A parameter image file, which is be associated withone scene selection screen (a scene selection image file generated asdescribed above) is stored in the BS folder by the user, on thegeneration of the setup file, previously. The shooting condition of thepreviously stored parameter image file and the scene selection imagefile are associated with each other, and thereby the setup file isgenerated. The parameter image file contains various shooting conditioninformation at the time of shooting the image of the parameter imagefile, and identification information for identifying the digital camerathat shot the image. Thus, these information is utilized.

Here, it is possible to record the image file shot by a digital camerato the recording medium 7 through the external recording medium 11, as aparameter image file. Or, it is possible to record an image file shot bya digital camera to the recording medium 7 by connecting the digitalcamera and the PC 1 via the I/O port 9 thereof.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of the BS folder. As anexample, here, four image files, each of which is a scene selectionimage file, are recorded. In addition, four parameter image files arerecorded so as to individually correspond to the four image files.

Here, a parameter-image file is associated with a scene selection imagefile such that parameter image file and scene selection file paired byhaving same numbers in lower four digits of their filename areassociated with each other. Accordingly, the user changes the filenameof the parameter image file so that the number of lower four digitscorrespond to the lower four digits of the filename of the sceneselection image file with which the user wishes to associate theparameter image file. Additionally, the first three digits of thefilename of the parameter image file is given by “CIM” so that the sceneselection image file and the parameter image file can be distinguishedfrom each other.

For example, in order to associate a parameter image file with to ascene selection image file having a filename, “CEXA0001.jpg”, the usergives the parameter image file a filename “CIMG0001.jpg”; in order toassociate a parameter image file with a scene selection image file witha filename, “CEXA0002. jpg”, the user gives the parameter image file afilename “CIMG0002.jpg”; in order to create a parameter image file witha scene selection image file with a filename, “CEXA0003.jpg”, the usergives the created parameter image file a filename “CIMG0003.jpg”; and inorder to create a parameter image file that corresponds to a sceneselection image file with a filename, “CEXA0004. jpg”, the user givesthe created parameter image file a filename “CIMG0004.jpg”. For changingthe filename of the parameter image file, for example, the user firstoperates a mouse 5 or a keyboard 6 in such a state as shown in FIG. 7where an image filename stored in the BS folder is displayed. Then, theuser moves the cursor to a file, the filename of which the user wishesto change and clicks it. Upon the click operation, the state is changedand the user is allowed to change the filename. Then, the user input afilename by the keyboard 6, and can confirm the change of the filenameby pressing down a return key when he/she thinks there is no problemwith the input filename.

The following describes an operation for generating a setup file on thebasis of the scene selection image file and the parameter image file,with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. First, the CPU 2 determineswhether or not to generate the setup file (step S51). This determinationis made based on whether the cursor is moved on any one of executiontarget files by the user's operation of the mouse 5 or the keyboard 6 insuch a state as shown in FIG. 7 where the filenames of the files withinthe BS folder is displayed, the user performed a click operation.

When it is determined in step S51 that the generation of setup file isnot performed, the flow does not proceed from step S51 till it isdetermined that any setup file is to be generated. Then, when it isdetermined in step S51 that the generation of the setup file is to beperformed, the CPU 2 determines whether among all parameter image filesrecorded on the BS folder, identification information showing a digitalcamera, by which an image within the digital camera is shot, correspondwith each other (step S52). This identification information is includedin the parameter image file, and the determination of correspondence ismade based on this information.

When it is determined in step S52 that there is any parameter image filethat has identification information which is different from the others,the CPU 2 displays a report notifying the user of the disunity in theidentification information on the display section 8 (step S53), andterminates the operation. Also when there is no parameter image filerecorded in the BS folder, the CPU 2 determines there is the lack ofunity of the identification information.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S52 that all theparameter image files have the same identification information, the CPU2 selects a scene selection image file that has the smallest number inthe lower four digits of filename (step S54). In the case where thescene selection image files of the filenames shown in FIG. 7 arerecorded in the BS folder, the scene selection image file of thefilename, “CEXA0001. jpg” is selected.

Next, the CPU 2 determines whether there is any parameter image filethat should correspond to the selected scene selection image file withinthe BS folder (step S55). In other words, it is determined whether thereis any parameter image file whose number of lower four digits in thefilename corresponds to the number of lower four digits of filename ofthe selected scene selection image file.

When it is determined in step S55 that there is no parameter image filethat corresponds to the selected scene selection image file in the BSfolder, the flow proceeds step S58.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S55 that there is anyparameter image file that corresponds to the selected scene selectionimage file in the BS folder, an internal file is prepared based on theselected scene selection image file and a parameter image file thatcorresponds to the selected scene selection image file, and the internalfile is recorded in the recording medium 7 (step S57). Then the flowproceeds to step S58. In other words, the shooting condition at the timeof shooting the image in the corresponding parameter image file isextracted, and the extracted shooting condition is added to the selectedscene selection image file to generate the internal file. This internalfile is a part of a later-described setup file, and the setup file isconstituted by the internal file.

In step S58, the CPU 2 determines whether there is any scene selectionimage file that is not selected in the BS folder. When it is determinedin step S58 that there is a scene selection image file that is not yetselected, the CPU selects a scene selection image file that has the nextsmallest number of lower four digits of filename in step S56, and thenthe flow goes back to step S55.

On the other hand, when in step S58 there is no scene selection imagefile that is not selected within BS folder, a setup file is generatedbased on all the generated internal file, and the internal file isrecorded (step S59).

Here, the internal file is generated based on the scene selection imagefile and its corresponding parameter image file, and the setup file isgenerated based on one or more internal files. However, it is possibleto generate setup files individually. In other words, in step S57, thesetup file may be generated based on a scene selection image file and acorresponding parameter image file, without generation of the internalfile and the flow may proceed to step S58. In this case, the operationof step S59 becomes unnecessary.

Then, when the generated setup file is set up to the digital camera 51via the external recording medium 11, it becomes possible to select thescene selection screen generated n the manner as described above, in thescene selection function, and it becomes possible set a shootingcondition that corresponds to the scene selection screen.

In displaying a scene selection screen, which corresponds to a scene ofa new kind, on a digital camera, the digital camera is operated todisplay the scene selection screen generated in the manner as describedabove. Further, on the digital camera, in displaying multiple sampleimages, a sample image area (in FIG. 5A, the portion of area 3) of thescene selection screen is cut out and displayed as each of the sampleimages that corresponds to a scene of a new kind. Further, fordisplaying the title, the portion of the title of the scene selectionscreen is cut out and displayed.

There is no need to say that the generated scene selection screens aredisplayed in the order designated by the user. Further, it is preferablethe setup is achieved in such a way as not to be reset even if thedigital camera if formatted.

By the way, the setup of the digital camera 51 using the setup filegenerated in the above-described manner can be performed in such a wayas will be described in the following. First, a flash memory 63 servingas an external recording medium 11 in which the setup file is recordedis connected to the digital camera 51 in the state in which the power ofthe digital camera 51 is off. Then, when the user operates the powerbutton of the digital camera 51 as pressing down the menu key to turn onthe digital camera, the CPU 60 automatically reads out the setup filefrom the connected flash memory 63 and records the setup file in thememory 59, as a part of data used on the execution of scene selectionfunction. On displaying the scene selection screen, the CPU 60determines the display order in accordance with each of the filenames ofthe scene selection image files that constitute the setup file.

In other words, in the present embodiment, on adding a newly selectablescene selection screen to an imaging device having a shooting conditionsetting section which sets the imaging device for a shooting condition,upon receiving a selection of any one of scene selection screenscorresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading out theshooting condition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, from astorage section that stores the shooting conditions individually inassociation with the shooting scenes, a template composed of separateareas on each of which to display a display element being different fromother display elements to be displayed on other areas is prepared, eachdisplay element is input individually, the template, to which thedisplay elements are input, as the scene selection screen to be added,is set and the shooting condition is associated with the set sceneselection screen.

Accordingly in the present embodiment, the setup file generationprogram, when activated, causes the digital camera to display the sceneselection screen sample 21, paste a sample image and a background imageon the scene selection screen sample 21 and displays it. Also, theprogram causes the digital camera to display the scene number, scenetitle and note input by the user. In this time, the scene selectionscreen sample 21 c comes to a state of display being equal to a sceneselection screen displayed in the scene selection function. Therefore,it is possible for the user to freely prepare a scene selection screenwith imagining it. Further, it is possible to record the scene selectionscreen which is to be newly added, with the display order thereof beingdesignated. Therefore, the user can designate the display order.Further, it is possible to associate a preferred shooting condition setat the time of shooting with the above data.

Modified Embodiment

The above embodiment may be modified as stated in the following.

(1) In the above embodiment, the user operates a keyboard to input ascene number, a scene title and a note. However, it is possible toconfigure the invention so as to select any one from previously preparedgroups each constituted by scene numbers, scene titles and notes.

(2) In the above embodiment, the display order of the scene selectionscreen is determined in accordance with the filename of the sceneselection image file. However, n a possible modification, informationshowing a display order may be added to a scene election image file.

(3) In the above embodiment, the display order of the scene selectionscreen to be prepared is selected from “A”-“D” (see FIG. 6A or FIG. 6B).However, in a possible modification, the user may determine any desiredorder of displaying.

(4) In the above embodiment, on the preparation of the setup file in theabove embodiment, when it is determined that there is no parameter imagefile that corresponds to a selected scene selection image file (in stepS55 in FIG. 8, the flow branching to N), it is determined that there isa scene selection image file having a second-smallest lower four digitsin filename (step S58 in FIG. 8). However, in a possible modification,when it is determined that there is no parameter image file thatcorresponds to a selected scene selection image file, the generation ofthe internal file may be stopped and operation may proceed to step S59to generate a setup file based on an already generated internal file.

(5) Further, in the above embodiment, a setup file is generated based onthe scene selection image file and the parameter image file. However, ina possible modification, the generation of a setup file may be only byadding a shooting condition to a scene selection image file, without anybasis of parameter image file.

(6) In the above embodiment, for a scene selection screen that is newlyadded, a shooting condition of a parameter image file that is associatedwith a scene selection image file is used. However, in a possiblemodification, a user may input or adjust the shooting condition, and theinput or adjusted shooting condition is used as that of the sceneselection screen to be newly added.

(7) In the above embodiment, scene selection screen sample comprisingthe sample image, the scene title, the note, the scene number, and thebackground image is recorded as image data of one screen and a setupfile is generated. However, in a possible modification, a setup filecomprising data of additional information in which sample image, scenetitle, note, scene number, and background image are associated with eachother, not in a form of one screen image data, may be generated, and thescene selection screen may be reconstructed in the digital camera sidebased on the generated setup file.

(8) In the above embodiment, PC is used for setting data of additionalinformation as a scene selection screen, and for adding a shootingcondition associated therewith. However, an imaging device, such as adigital camera, may be used for the setting, and in such a case,generated data of additional information and shooting condition may beassociated with each other and stored to the memory 59 of the digitalcamera, without generation of the setup file. That is, as shown in FIG.11, the digital camera 51 may store, in a memory 59 thereof, a templatecomposed of separate areas on each of which to display a display elementbeing different from other display elements to be displayed on otherareas, and may further comprise an input control section that controlsinput of display elements so that each display element is inputindividually to each area of the template stored in the template storagesection; a scene selection screen setting section that sets, as a sceneselection screen, the template to which the display elements are inputby the input control section; and a shooting condition adding sectionthat associates the scene selection screen set by the scene selectionscreen setting section with a shooting condition. Further, the digitalcamera may allow the setting of the display order in the digital cameraof the scene selection screens set by the digital camera.

(9) Further, in the above embodiment, the shooting condition at the timeat which the selected sample image is shot may automatically set as theshooting condition of the scene selection screen. In this case,parameter image file becomes unnecessary. Or, a possible configurationsubstitutes a parameter image file with a sample image file thatcorresponds to the sample image selected, by automatically copying andmoving the sample image file to the BS folder. In the case where aparameter image file is substituted with the sample image file, thefilename of the copied and moved sample image file may automaticallychanged based on the filename of a corresponding scene selection imagefile.

(10) The imaging device is not limited to digital camera, which is usedas the embodiment described above. In possible modifications, thepresent invention can be applied to a cellular phone, a PDA, and adigital video camera. Whatever device is possible if it is a device thatcan edit image data and add a shooting condition.

(11) In the above embodiment, the programs for preparing the setup fileand data for preparing the same is stored in ROM 3. However, these maybe installed to the recording medium 7 from an external recording medium11 or a communication network. The CPU 2 may read out the installedprogram from the recording medium 7 and execute the read out program.

Various embodiments and changes may be made thereunto without departingfrom the broad spirit and scope of the invention. The above-describedembodiment is intended to illustrate the present invention, not to limitthe scope of the present invention. The scope of the present inventionis shown by the attached claims rather than the embodiment. Variousmodifications made within the meaning of an equivalent of the claims ofthe invention and within the claims are to be regarded to be in thescope of the present invention.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-140165filed on May 19, 2006 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-031591filed on Feb. 13, 2007 including specification, claims, drawings andsummary. The disclosure of the above Japanese Patent Application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

1. A scene selection screen generation device comprising: a templatestorage section that stores a template of a scene selection screencomprising separate areas, each of which is for displaying thereon adisplay element that is different from other display elements to bedisplayed on other areas; an input control section that controls inputof display elements so that each display element is input individuallyto each area of the template stored in the template storage section; ascene selection screen setting section that sets, as the scene selectionscreen, the template to which the display elements have been input bythe input control section; and a shooting condition adding section thatassociates the scene selection screen set by the scene selection screensetting section with a shooting condition to be set when the sceneselection screen is selected.
 2. The scene selection screen generationdevice according to claim 1, wherein the display elements include atleast one of (i) a sample image, (ii) a scene title, and (iii) a notefor explaining at least one of an image quality of an image to beobtained by shooting and an operation of a camera.
 3. A scene selectionscreen adding system for adding a newly selectable scene selectionscreen to an imaging device having a shooting condition setting sectionwhich sets a shooting condition for the imaging device upon receiving aselection of any one of scene selection screens correspondingindividually to shooting scenes, by reading out a shooting conditioncorresponding to the selected shooting scene, from a storage sectionthat stores the shooting conditions individually in association with theshooting scenes, the scene selection screen adding system comprising: atemplate storage section that stores a template comprising separateareas, each of which is for displaying thereon a display element that isdifferent from other display elements to be displayed on other areas; aninput control section that controls input of display elements so thateach display element is input individually to each area of the templatestored in the template storage section; a scene selection screen settingsection that sets, as the scene selection screen to be added, thetemplate to which the display elements have been input by the inputcontrol section; a shooting condition adding section that associates thescene selection screen set by the scene selection screen setting sectionwith a shooting condition; a display order setting section that sets adisplay order in which the scene selection screen set by the sceneselection screen setting section is to be displayed; and an addingsection that adds the scene selection screen set by the scene selectionscreen setting section so that the scene selection screen is displayedin the order set by the display order setting section, without causingany change in display order among previously prepared scene selectionscreens, when the imaging device displays the scene selection screen. 4.The scene selection screen adding system according to claim 3, whereinthe display elements include at least one of (i) a sample image, (ii) ascene title, and (iii) a note for explaining at least one of an imagequality of an image to be obtained by shooting and an operation of acamera.
 5. The scene selection screen adding system according to claim3, wherein the template storage section, the input control section, thescene selection screen setting section, the shooting condition addingsection, and the display order setting section are provided to acomputer that is independent from the imaging device; and wherein theadding section is provided to the imaging device.
 6. The scene selectionscreen adding system according to claim 5, wherein the adding sectionadds the scene selection screen set by the scene selection screensetting section based on a setup file in which the scene selectionscreen set by the scene selection screen setting section is associatedwith the shooting condition by the shooting condition adding section. 7.A method for generating a scene selection screen, the method beingperformed by an imaging device having a shooting condition settingsection which sets a shooting condition for the imaging device uponreceiving a selection of any one of scene selection screenscorresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading out a shootingcondition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, from a storagesection that stores the shooting conditions individually in associationwith the shooting scenes, the method comprising: controlling input ofdisplay elements so that each display element is input individually toan area of a template of a scene selection screen comprising separateareas, each of which is for displaying thereon a display element that isdifferent from other display elements to be displayed on other areas;setting, as the scene selection screen, the template to which thedisplay elements have been input; and associating the set sceneselection screen with a shooting condition for the imaging device to beset when the scene selection screen is selected.
 8. The method accordingto claim 7, wherein the display elements include at least one of (i) asample image, (ii) a scene title, and (iii) a note for explaining atleast one of an image quality of an image to be obtained by shooting andan operation of a camera.
 9. A method for adding a newly selectablescene selection screen to an imaging device having a shooting conditionsetting section which sets a shooting condition for the imaging deviceupon receiving a selection of any one of scene selection screenscorresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading out a shootingcondition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, from a storagesection that stores the shooting conditions individually in associationwith the shooting scenes, the method comprising: controlling input ofdisplay elements so that each display element is input individually toeach area of a template comprising separate areas, each of which is fordisplaying thereon a display element that is different from otherdisplay elements to be displayed on other areas; setting, as the sceneselection screen to be added, the template to which the display elementshave been input; associating the set scene selection screen with ashooting condition; setting a display order in which the set sceneselection screen is to be displayed; and adding the set scene selectionscreen so that the scene selection screen is displayed in the set order,without causing any change in display order among previously preparedscene selection screens, when the imaging device displays the sceneselection screen.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein thedisplay elements include at least one of (i) a sample image, (ii) ascene title, and (iii) a note for explaining at least one of an imagequality of an image to be obtained by shooting and an operation of acamera.
 11. An imaging device having a shooting condition settingsection which sets a shooting condition for the imaging device uponreceiving a selection of any one of scene selection screenscorresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading out a shootingcondition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, from a storagesection that stores the shooting conditions individually in associationwith the shooting scenes, the imaging device comprising: a templatestorage section that stores a template of a scene selection screencomprising separate areas, each of which is for displaying thereon adisplay element that is different from other display elements to bedisplayed on other areas; an input control section that controls inputof display elements so that each display element is input individuallyto each area of the template stored in the template storage section; ascene selection screen setting section that sets, as the scene selectionscreen, the template to which the display elements have been input bythe input control section; and a shooting condition adding section thatassociates the scene selection screen set by the scene selection screensetting section with a shooting condition to be set when the sceneselection screen is selected.
 12. The imaging device according to claim11, wherein the display elements include at least one of (i) a sampleimage, (ii) a scene title, and (iii) a note for explaining at least oneof an image quality of an image to be obtained by shooting and anoperation of a camera.
 13. A non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium having a program recorded thereon to cause a computer to executefunctions comprising: controlling input of display elements so that eachdisplay element is input individually to an area of a template of ascene selection screen comprising separate areas, each of which is fordisplaying thereon a display element that is different from otherdisplay elements to be displayed on other areas; setting, as the sceneselection screen, the template to which the display elements have beeninput; and associating the set scene selection screen with a shootingcondition to be set when the scene selection screen is selected.
 14. Thecomputer-readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein thedisplay elements include at least one of (i) a sample image, (ii) ascene title, and (iii) a note for explaining at least one of an imagequality of an image to be obtained by shooting and an operation of acamera.